President Obama Surprised by Boehner Resignation: ‘He’s a Good Man’

Abortions His resignation comes as hardline conservatives in the party threaten to shut down the government, for the second time in two years, by linking the passage of a budget with defunding the Planned Parenthood healthcare clinics before a September 30th deadline.

The Speaker made it clear he was putting what was best for the country above all else, saying, “It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution”.

U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., a Knoxville Republican, said Boehner’s decision to resign surprised nearly everyone. “Many members of Congress and supporters, above and beyond those who voted to elect me as speaker in January, have already reached out to ask me to run for speaker”. It came one day after a high point of Boehner’s congressional career, a historic speech by Pope Francis to Congress at Boehner’s request.

A tough battle over Boehner’s successor, with Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy trying to fend off a challenge from the hard right wing.

“I think he’s been through these fights before on these issues so I can’t imagine that’s what it is”, Triantafilou said. If all went right, President Barack Obama would’ve been forced to use his veto power in order for the organization to continue to receive federal funding. He become majority whip when Republicans took control of the House in 2011 and held the position until August 2014, when he assumed his current post. “I know he truly cares about our nation and, regrettably, his tenure as Speaker of the House has been during one of the most divisive periods in Congress. Even so, he was able to bring the House together on several occasions”.

But he has been increasingly hamstrung by the most conservative elements of his caucus, the tea-party types who don’t mind closing down the government to try to get their way and who don’t mind cashiering a speaker of their own party in the process. The 65 year old has been clashing with other conservatives in his party.

Real estate mogul Donald Trump said Republican congressional leaders like Boehner are “babies”.

Congress votes next week on a spending bill which would avert a government shutdown.

U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, R-Johnson City, said he respected Boehner’s decision.

Obama says he called Boehner on Friday following Boehner’s announcement.

The clean version of the bill is expected to pass with the help of Democrats. “I wish Speaker Boehner Godspeed and best wishes as he now gets to enjoy his new grandson in a well-earned retirement”.